Instruments

Ever wondered what the most expensive instrument in the world is? In this guide, we’ll give you a better insight on what instruments were the most expensive ever to be sold.

Here are the four most expensive instruments ever sold at auction.

Violin: The Kreutzer Stradivarius – $1.58 million

The Kreutzer Stradivarius was named after Rodolph Kreutzer, a famous French violinist that has composed his Sonata no.9 with Beethoven. The instrument was included in the collection of heiress Huguette Clark. The instrument has an estimated value of $7.5 million.

Violin: The Lady Tennant Stradivarius – $2.03 million

A year before the “golden age,” Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari designed the Lady Tennant. The Lady Tennant was previously owned by world-renowned violinist, Charles Philippe Lafont, in the 19th-centur. After his passing, the violin was placed under the possession of W.E. Hill, a violin dealer in London. The violin was then sold to a Scottish business person named Charles Clow Tennant, who purchased the violin as a gift to his wife, a student violinist.

The Lady Tennant was eventually sold again in 2005, for more than $2 million in New York where it was given as loan to Yang Liu and YossifIvanov.

Piano: Steinway upright model Z – $2.64 million

Previously owned by John Lennon, the Steinway upright model Z was used to write Lennon’s 1970’s hit “Imagine.” The piano was purchased from George Michael for almost $3 million. The Steinway Model Z was previously on load at the Beatles Story Museum before it was put up for auction. George Michael stated that the piano shouldn’t be hidden in storage but rather seen by people.

Violin: The Christian Hammer Stradivarius – $3.54 million

On May 16, 2006, the Christian Hammer was sold to an anonymous bidder for $3.54 million with an estimated pre-auction value of US $2.5 million. The Christian Hammer Stradivarius is an antique violin that was designed by Italian maker, Antonio Stradivari in 1707. Dating from 1707 was the golden period of Stradivari.

The violin itself was named after Christian Hammer, the 19th-century Swedish collector. The violin was used on loan for twelve years to a famous violinist, Kyoko Takezawa.